The most widespread and popular OS today is Windows. It is quite reliable, but sometimes you still need to reinstall it. This operation is quite simple and quite within the power of an ordinary user with basic PC skills.
It is necessary
- - installation disk;
- - Live CD.
Instructions
Step 1
Remember that the exact reinstallation option depends on the nature of the problem. If the OS does not boot at all and cannot be restored by pressing F8 at startup, reinstallation should be started from the installation disk. If the OS boots and you want to keep the installed programs and settings, but get rid of system errors, choose to install over your previous copy of Windows.
Step 2
Save important files for you if you install the OS directly from the installation disk. If you cannot load the OS already installed on your computer, use the Live CD to save files, this disc can be downloaded on the network. By downloading a temporary copy of Windows from it, you can save important information for you - in particular, files from the "My Documents" folder.
Step 3
Format the partition before installing a new copy of Windows. For this, it is convenient to use the Acronis Disk Director program. You can format the partition by booting Windows from the Live CD. Use full formatting, not header cleanup. Failure to format may result in installation problems. In particular, the computer may freeze after the first reboot.
Step 4
To start the OS installation from a CD, press the F12 key when starting the PC, the boot menu will open. In it, choose to boot from CD. If the menu does not appear on your PC, set the CD drive in the BIOS as the primary boot device. To enter the BIOS, you usually need to press Del when starting the computer, but the key combinations can be different. If you changed the settings in the BIOS, then immediately after the first reboot during the installation process, return the hard drive as the primary source.
Step 5
Pay close attention to the messages that appear during the installation process. You will be prompted to select a language, time zone, partition for installing the OS. After that, the actual installation of Windows will begin. During this process, the computer will reboot several times. After the installation is complete, you will see the Windows welcome screen.
Step 6
Keep in mind that some devices may require additional installation of drivers - for example, for a video card, printer, network card, etc. If you do not have these drivers, worry about finding them online and downloading them in advance.
Step 7
Use reinstallation in update mode if you want to keep the already installed programs and settings. To do this, load an existing copy of Windows, insert the installation disc into the CD-drive and select OS installation from its menu. Next, select the installation in update mode. The computer will reboot, further installation will take place automatically.
Step 8
Remember that updating is only possible when installing the same OS. If you are installing, for example, Windows 7 after Windows XP, only a fresh installation is possible. In this case, Windows 7 will save all the previous data in a separate folder.
